The Rugby World Cup is Nigh: Your 7 Step Guide

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) for 2015 will be played in England. Punters, fans and fashionistas are excited for this incredible event. The Rugby World Cup is nigh, here is your 7 Step Guide on the fly.

1. When is the Rugby World Cup?

The first Rugby World Cup took place in Australia and New Zealand back in 1987. For years rugby insiders wanted an event similar to FIFA World Cup Football. Now they have it – every four years the Rugby World Cup takes place. The last event was in 2011 with New Zealand defeating France 29 to 9. The next Rugby World Cup will take place from September 18 to October 31, 2015.

2. Where is the Rugby World Cup?

There are thirteen (13) venues for the Rugby World Cup 2015 in England including the stadiums of Brighton Community, Millennium, Kingsholm and Twickenham.

3. Which Nations are competing?

Twenty (20) teams are invited in total with twelve (12) automatic invitations based on the past tournament; the other eight (8) positions are filled by international competitions. Here are the pools for the 2015 Rugby World Cup:

• Pool A: Australia, England, Fiji, Uruguay and Wales
• Pool B: Japan, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa and the USA
• Pool C: Argentina, Georgia, Namibia, New Zealand and Tonga
• Pool D: Canada, France, Ireland, Italy and Romania

4. Who is the Favorite?

England has won one championship and may have an edge as host. The New Zealand All Blacks may be one of the favorites also.

5. Who are the Best Players?

In terms of all-time records, the English player Jonny Wikinson has the most total points for World Cup career at 277. Fans hope that English players Steffon Armitage, Henry Slade and Christian Wade will perform well. New Zealand Brodie Retallick won the 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year award.

6. Who Has Won Previous Cups?

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have won the most William Webb Ellis Championship Cups (two each). There are two major traditional rugby blocs: Southern (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) versus Northern (England, Ireland and France).

7. How Can Punters Get in on the Action?

If you want to get into the Rugby World Cup mood, then get your gear at Canterbury.